Dolutegravir

(doe'' loo teg' ra vir)

Brand Name(s):

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Dolutegravir is used with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in adults and children who are at least 12 years of age and weigh at least 88 lb (40 kg). Dolutegravir is in a class of medications called HIV integrase inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of HIV in your blood and increasing the number of immune cells that help fight infections in your body. Although dulotegravir does not cure HIV, using it along with other medications may decrease your chance of developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and HIV-related illnesses such as serious infections or cancer. Taking these medications along with practicing safer sex and making other lifestyle changes may decrease the risk of transmitting (spreading) the HIV virus to other people.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Dolutegravir comes as a tablet to take by mouth once or twice a day with or without food. Take dolutegravir at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take dolutegravir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take dolutegravir even if you feel well. Do not stop taking dolutegravir without talking to your doctor. When your supply of dolutegravir runs low, get more from your doctor or pharmacist. If you stop taking dolutegravir or miss doses, your condition may become worse and more difficult to treat with medication.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before taking dolutegravir,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to dolutegravir, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in dolutegravir tablets. Ask your pharmacist or check the manufacturer's patient information for a list of the ingredients.

tell your doctor if you are taking dofetilide (Tikosyn). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take dolutegravir if you are taking this medication.

tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins ,and nutritional supplements, you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: other medications for HIV including efavirenz (Sustiva, in Atripla), etravirine (Intelence), fosamprenavir (Lexiva) taken with ritonavir (Norvir), nevirapine (Viramune), and tipranavir (Aptivus) taken with ritonavir (Norvir); certain medications for seizures including carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol), oxcarbazepine (Oxtellar XR, Trileptal), phenobarbital (Luminal), and phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); metformin (Fortomet, Glumetza, Glucophage, Riomet); and rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate, in Rifater). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

if you are taking antacids or laxatives that contain aluminum, magnesium, or calcium; calcium supplements; iron supplements; sucralfate (Carafate); or buffered medications such as buffered aspirin, take them 2 hours after or 6 hours before you take dolutegravir.

tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John's wort.

tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease or liver disease including hepatitis B or hepatitis C.

tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking dolutegravir, call your doctor. Also tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed if you are infected with HIV or if you are taking dolutegravir.

you should be aware that your body fat may increase or move to different areas of your body, such as your upper back, neck (''buffalo hump''), breasts, and around your stomach. You may notice a loss of body fat from your face, legs, and arms.

you should know that while you are taking medications to treat HIV infection, your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight other infections that were already in your body. This may cause you to develop symptoms of those infections. If you have new or worsening symptoms after starting treatment with dolutegravir, be sure to tell your doctor.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is less than 4 hours before you are scheduled to take your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Dolutegravir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

headache

stomach pain

gas

diarrhea

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the SPECIAL PRECAUTION section, stop taking dolutegravir and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical attention:

rash

fever

feeling sick

excessive tiredness

muscle or joint pain

blistering or peeling skin

blisters or sores in the mouth

red or swollen eyes

swelling of the eyes, face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat

difficulty breathing or swallowing

jaundice

dark urine

pale colored bowel movements

nausea

vomiting

loss of appetite

pain in the upper right part of the stomach

Dolutegravir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( Web Site) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to dolutegravir.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.